The Small Business Ambassadors (SBA) Programme and FY2025 SBA awards function
The Small Business Ambassadors (SBA) Programme forms a critical component of the SBGI initiative by recognising entrepreneurs who actively participate in national SBGI research efforts. Their contributions help generate reliable evidence that informs policy discussions, supports advocacy efforts and strengthens the business environment for South Africa’s MSME sector.
The FY2025 SBA Awards function conducted on 2 June 2026 celebrated not only one national winner, but a community of exceptional businesses from every province whose participation has helped ensure that the “BIG Voices of SMALL Businesses” continue to inform policy, shape dialogue and contribute to South Africa’s economic future.
Building a stronger and more sustainable MSME ecosystem
The FY2025 Small Business Ambassador Awards Ceremony celebrates individual achievement but it is far more than just that. It reaffirmed the importance of creating a nationally inclusive platform where the voices, experiences and aspirations of small businesses can be heard, documented and translated into meaningful action.
Through the Absa/SACCI/BMR Small Business Growth Index (SBGI), thousands of entrepreneurs have contributed to one of South Africa’s most comprehensive evidence-based initiatives focused on understanding the realities of the MSME sector. Their participation has helped generate valuable insights into business confidence, growth constraints, market opportunities, financing challenges and the broader operating environment facing small enterprises.
The Small Business Ambassador Programme demonstrates that meaningful participation matters. By recognising businesses that actively contribute to the national dialogue on small business development, the programme strengthens the connection between entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, business organisations and research partners.
Hestifusion Pty Ltd, recognised as the FY2025 Overall Small Business Ambassador of the Year, exemplified the spirit of engagement that underpins the programme. Through active participation in the SBGI initiative, the company demonstrated how small businesses can contribute meaningfully to shaping the national conversation on enterprise development.
Looking ahead, the SBGI Flagship Programme will continue through 2026 to 2028, providing an ongoing platform for small businesses to share their experiences, influence thought leadership, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and resilient MSME ecosystem. Through continued research, stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing initiatives and ambassador recognition programmes, the partnership remains committed to advancing evidence-based solutions that support entrepreneurship, employment creation and sustainable economic growth.
Ultimately, the success of the SBGI lies in a simple but powerful belief: When small businesses are heard, South Africa grows.
The FY2025 award recipients exemplify the entrepreneurial resilience, innovation and leadership that continue to drive the country’s economic future. Their recognition serves as an inspiration to thousands of other entrepreneurs and reinforces the SBGI’s enduring commitment to amplifying the BIG Voices of SMALL Businesses.
